Introduction

Abstract

The introduction asks whether the joint exploration and development of resources can act as a means to reduce tensions in contested territories. It applies this discussion on resource management to the maritime domain in East Asia and raises a series of important questions. Does the joint management of natural resources in the absence of a negotiated maritime delimitation constitute a feasible strategy to de-escalate maritime sovereignty disputes in East Asia? Can cooperative resource exploitation be separated from nationalist considerations and power politics calculations? Alternatively, should exploration schemes be postponed until sovereignty disputes have been resolved?